Can diabetic patients consume rock sugar?

Mar 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 35 years old and have diabetes. I would like to know whether people with diabetes can consume rock sugar.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

Under normal circumstances, diabetic patients should not consume rock sugar. Rock sugar is a high-sugar food, and its main component is sucrose, which the human body rapidly breaks down into glucose and fructose, causing a sharp increase in blood glucose levels. For diabetic patients, whose ability to regulate blood sugar is already impaired due to defects in insulin secretion or impaired insulin biological function, consuming rock sugar will make blood glucose control even more difficult.

After consuming rock sugar, blood glucose levels rise quickly, which may cause patients to experience symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as dry mouth, increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and dizziness. Long-term blood glucose fluctuations may also increase the risk of both acute and chronic complications of diabetes. Blood glucose is a major risk factor for diabetic complications. Prolonged high blood glucose can damage various organs throughout the body, including the eyes, kidneys, heart and vascular system, and nervous system.

Diabetic patients need to follow strict dietary control and medication treatment plans. Consuming rock sugar disrupts blood glucose balance, negating previous efforts at blood glucose management and affecting treatment effectiveness. Diabetic patients are advised to choose foods with lower sugar content and avoid consuming high-sugar foods.